Hearing system with a user preference control and method for operating a hearing system

ABSTRACT

A hearing system that includes a user control and a signal processing unit controllable by adjustable parameters can be adjusted to preferences of a user. Such an adjustment can involve providing a first set of start-up parameter settings upon start-up of said signal processor unit, using parameter settings included in or derived from said first set of start-up parameter settings as default parameter settings for said signal processing unit, obtaining a set of parameter settings currently used in said signal processing unit upon operating said user control, deriving a second set of start-up parameter settings in dependence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and of said set of parameter settings obtained, and using said second set of start-up parameter settings as said first set of start-up parameter settings when providing said first set of start-up parameter settings upon a following start-up of said signal processor unit.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to a hearing system and to a method for operatinga hearing system. The invention relates to methods and apparatusesaccording to the opening clauses of the claims. In particular, theinvention relates to the adjustment of hearing systems or hearingdevices to the preferences of a user, also referred to as “fitting”.

Under a hearing device, a device is understood, which is worn in oradjacent to an individual's ear with the object to improve theindividual's acoustical perception. Such improvement may also be barringacoustic signals from being perceived in the sense of hearing protectionfor the individual. If the hearing device is tailored so as to improvethe perception of a hearing impaired individual towards hearingperception of a “standard” individual, then we speak of a hearing-aiddevice. With respect to the application area, a hearing device may beapplied behind the ear, in the ear, completely in the ear canal or maybe implanted.

A hearing system comprises at least one hearing device. In case that ahearing system comprises at least one additional device, all devices ofthe hearing system are operationally connectable within the hearingsystem. Typically, said additional devices such as another hearingdevice, a remote control or a remote microphone, are meant to be worn orcarried by said individual.

Under audio signals we understand electrical signals, analogue and/ordigital, which represent sound.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

From US 2004/0208331 A1, a hearing device is known, which is adjustableby a user of the hearing device in the following manner: The user setsthe amplification of the hearing device when he is located in a specificacoustic situation. In the event that this acoustic situation ischaracteristic for him, he initiates an adjustment event of his hearingdevice. This ensues either manually, or temporally controlled in knowntime intervals, or automatically in another manner. If the adjustmentevent is initiated, the current environment situation is acousticallymeasured. The acquired measurement values and the manually selectedamplification values are drawn upon in order to determine a newcharacteristic line field, wherein a plurality of environment situationswith corresponding amplifications is associated in this characteristicline field. If the hearing device user is now in a new acousticenvironment situation, this is measured using characteristic soundquantities. With the aid of the newly determined characteristic linefield, the hearing device automatically calculates a new amplificationmatching this new environment situation. With the aid of such ahearing-device-user-specific characteristic line field, the hearingdevice is expected to automatically adjust to the respective acousticsituations as the hearing device user would have manually done ithimself. The setting value of the hearing device is thereby not only theamplification selected in the example, but rather if necessary also thecompression or other characteristics.

In WO 00/57672 A2, a hand-held programmer for programming treatmentappliances which are used for correcting a hearing aid is disclosed. Thehearing aid user can enter in the programmer new settings for hearingaid related parameters and, upon giving a “saving” command, transmit thenew parameter settings to the hearing aid, in which they are then storedand used.

In US 2005/0129262 A1, a programmable auditory prosthesis is presented,which adjusts its sound processing characteristics in a particularacoustic environment in a manner that is similar or identical to thatpreviously determined by the user of the prosthesis as optimal for thatenvironment. Each time a certain switch is actuated, the gain in eachfrequency band is logged along with a data set indicative of theacoustic environment detected by a microphone of the auditoryprosthesis. By actuating that certain switch, the user can select whichsetting of a control means is the optimal one for the particularacoustic environment that they are in. A data processing unit of theauditory prosthesis can calculate general relationships between theamplification characteristics and the measured aspects of the acousticenvironment from such logged data. The data processing unit does notcalculate optimal gain equation coefficients until a predeterminednumber of selections have been made by the user. As long as thatpredetermined number of selections has not been made yet, the soundprocessor will output a signal calculated on the basis of initial,pre-defined values of trainable coefficients, wherein these initial,pre-defined values are calculated for each user by conventional methodsof prescribing prosthesis operation, or by an empirical, trial and erroradjustment process. Once the predetermined number of selections havebeen made, the data processing unit re-calculates the trainablecoefficients immediately after every occasion on which the user operatesthat certain switch to indicate that the control means is in the optimalposition.

In US 2004/0190738 A1, a method for adapting a hearing device to amomentary acoustic surround situation is disclosed.

In EP 1 708 543 A1, a hearing aid logging data and learning from thesedata is disclosed.

It is desirable to provide an alternative way of operating, inparticular fitting, a hearing device or hearing system, and acorresponding hearing system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the invention is to create an alternative way of operatinga hearing system. In addition, a respective hearing system and arespective computer program product shall be provided.

Another object of the invention is to provide a possiblity that allows ahearing system user to adjust his hearing system to his hearingpreferences.

Another object of the invention is to provide a possiblity that allowsto adjust a hearing system in an improved manner and/or in aparticularly safe/robust manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a possiblity that allows ahearing system user to adjust his hearing system to his hearingpreferences in a way that can be easily handled by the user and/or whichis pleasant for the user.

Further objects emerge from the description and embodiments below.

At least one of these objects is at least partially achieved by methods,systems and computer program products according to the patent claims.

The method for operating a hearing system comprising a user controlreferred to below as user preference control and a signal processingunit controllable by adjustable parameters comprises the steps of

-   a) providing a first set of start-up parameter settings upon    start-up of said signal processor unit;-   b) using parameter settings comprised in or derived from said first    set of start-up parameter settings as default parameter settings for    said signal processing unit;-   d) upon operating said user preference control: obtaining a set of    parameter settings currently used in said signal processing unit;-   e) deriving a second set of start-up parameter settings in    dependence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and of    said set of currently used parameter settings obtained in step d);-   f) using said second set of start-up parameter settings as said    first set of start-up parameter settings when carrying out step a)    upon a following start-up of said signal processor unit.

The hearing system comprises

-   -   a user control referred to below as user preference control;    -   a signal processing unit controllable by adjustable parameters;    -   a storage unit operationally connected to said signal processing        unit, comprising a first set of start-up parameter settings;    -   a control unit operationally connected to said user preference        control, to said signal processing unit and to said storage        unit;        wherein said control unit is adapted to    -   upon start-up of said signal processing unit: implementing in        said signal processing unit said first set of start-up parameter        settings, so that parameter settings comprised in or derived        from said first set of start-up parameter settings are used as        default parameter settings for signal processing in said signal        processing unit;    -   upon operating said user preference control: obtaining a set of        parameter settings currently used in said signal processing        unit;    -   deriving a second set of start-up parameter settings in        dependence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and        of said obtained set of currently used parameter settings; and    -   replacing in said storage unit said first set of start-up        parameter settings by said second set of start-up parameter        settings.

The computer program product comprises program code for causing acomputer to perform the steps of

-   A) providing a first set of start-up parameter settings upon    start-up of a signal processor unit of a hearing system;-   B) using parameter settings comprised in or derived from said first    set of start-up parameter settings as default parameter settings for    said signal processing unit;-   G) receiving a user input from a user control of said hearing system    referred to below as user preference control;-   D) upon step G): obtaining a set of parameter settings currently    used in said signal processing unit;-   E) deriving a second set of start-up parameter settings in    dependence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and of    said set of currently used parameter settings obtained in step D);-   F) using said second set of start-up parameter settings as said    first set of start-up parameter settings when carrying out step A)    upon a following start-up of said signal processor unit.

Through this, an improved fitting of a hearing system to the hearingpreferences of a user of the hearing system can be achieved.

Said parameters are usually audio processing parameters.

Typically, at least a portion of said parameters is adjustable by a userof said hearing system.

Said user preference control can be, e.g., a switch or a button or a setof those, to be operated (pressed, turned, toggled . . . ) by thehearing system user. It can be arranged on any device of the hearingsystem, e.g., on a remote control or on a hearing device.

It is possible to provide that said providing or implementing said firstset of start-up parameter settings takes places solely upon a start-upof said signal processing unit.

In one embodiment of the method, the parameters for which said set ofparameter settings mentioned in step d) are obtained are adjustable by auser of said hearing system. Note that in this case, all parameters forwhich said set of currently used parameter settings is obtained areadjustable by the user; this, of course, does not exclude that, inaddition, further parameter settings currently used in the signalprocessing unit exist and are obtained, which are possibly notadjustable by the user.

Typically, there is at least one user control such as a button, switch,wheel, provided in the hearing system allowing the user to adjust theadjustable parameters.

Some time after step a) and before step d), the user will typicallycarry out at least one adjustment of at least one of said adjustableparameters. Said parameters currently used in said signal processingunit (cf. step d)) are the default parameter settings mentioned in stepb), changed by said adjustments carried out by the user.

In one embodiment, in step b), said parameter settings comprised in orderived from said first set of start-up parameter settings are used asdefault parameter settings for said signal processing unit until thenext shut-down of said signal processor unit. This ensures that, fromone start-up of said signal processing unit to a subsequent start-up ofsaid signal processing unit, the default parameter settings change at ausually relatively slow pace and that the user will usually not evenconsciously perceive that changes in default parameter settings takeplace. This will usually provide that the hearing system user is notannoyed by his hearing system due to strongly changing audio processingparameters, and the fitting that takes place is—if at all—perceived in apleasant, unobstrusive way.

In one embodiment, said second set of start-up parameter settings isused as said first set of start-up parameter settings not before anotherstart-up of said signal processor unit occurred. This ensures that, fromone start-up of said signal processing unit to a subsequent start-up ofsaid signal processing unit, the default parameter settings change at ausually relatively slow pace and that the user will usually not evenconsciously perceive that changes in default parameter settings takeplace. This will usually provide that the hearing system user is notannoyed by his hearing system due to strongly changing audio processingparameters, and the fitting that takes place is —if at all—perceived ina pleasant, unobstrusive way.

In one embodiment, step e) is carried out in such a way that a gradualevolvement of said second set of start-up parameter settings from saidfirst set of start-up parameter settings towards parameter settings inaccordance with said currently used parameter settings occurs. Thisensures that, from one start-up of said signal processing unit to asubsequent start-up of said signal processing unit, the defaultparameter settings change at a usually relatively slow pace and that theuser will usually not even consciously perceive that changes in defaultparameter settings take place. This will usually provide that thehearing system user is not annoyed by his hearing system due to stronglychanging audio processing parameters, and the fitting that takes placeis—if at all—perceived in a pleasant, unobstrusive way.

Such a gradual evolvement can be accomplished, e.g., by using weightingfactors in step e).

In one embodiment, the method comprises the step of

-   c) deriving data characterizing a current acoustic environment;    wherein said deriving said second set of start-up parameter settings    mentioned in step e) is carried out also in dependence of said data    derived in step c).

This allows to derive different preferred settings for differentacoustic environments.

Said current acoustic environment is usually the acoustic environment inwhich the hearing system is located.

In one embodiment, step c) comprises deriving a set of N classsimilarity factors, with N≧2, wherein each of said class similarityfactors is indicative of the similarity of said current acousticenvironment with a predetermined acoustic environment described by arespective class of N classes each of which describes a predeterminedacoustic environment.

Such class similarity factors are known in what is referred to as“classification” in the art of hearing devices.

Said classes are usually predetermined classes.

In one embodiment, each of said first and second sets of start-upparameter settings comprises for each of said N classes a subset ofstart-up parameter settings associated with the respective class.

It is possible that an analysis of the current acoustic environment(such as a classification) is carried out (quasi-)continuously.Accordingly, it is possible to use the most recent data characterizingthe current acoustic environment when carrying out step e). It is alsopossible to carry out step c) upon said operating said user preferencecontrol.

In one embodiment, in dependence of the class similarity factorassociated with a respective class, parameter settings comprised in asubset of said first start-up parameter settings associated with saidrespective class or parameter settings derived therefrom

-   -   are used or    -   are not used or    -   are used to a degree depending on the respective class        similarity factor        as default parameter settings for said signal processing unit.

Accordingly, different sound processing properties can be provided fordifferent acoustic environments. It is possible, e.g., to use—in acurrent acoustic environment—that one subset of the first start-upparameter settings as default parameter settings, which is associatedwith that one class which has the greatest similarity to the currentacoustic environment. It is also possible to use parameter settings asdefault parameter settings, which are obtained as a mixture of subsetsof the first start-up parameter settings, wherein the contribution ofeach of the subsets depends on the class similarity factor of thecorresponding class.

In one embodiment, in step e), parameter settings in subsets of start-upparameter settings of said second set of start-up parameter settings arechanged (with respect to corresponding settings in said first set ofstart-up parameter settings) to an amount, which depends on therespective class similarity factor (as determined in step c)) of theclass associated the respective subset. This enables anenvironment-dependent “learning” of improved parameter settings.

In one embodiment, in step e), parameter settings are left unchanged(with respect to corresponding settings in said first set of start-upparameter settings) in such subsets of start-up parameter settings ofsaid second set of start-up parameter settings, which are associatedwith a class for which the respective class similarity factor (asdetermined in step c)) does not fulfill a pre-defined criterion. Such acriterion (or condition) can be, e.g., that the respective classsimilarity factor has to exceed a pre-defined threshold value.

In one embodiment, in step e), parameter settings are changed (withrespect to corresponding settings in said first set of start-upparameter settings) at most in such subsets of start-up parametersettings of said second set of start-up parameter settings, which areassociated with a class for which the respective class similarity factoras determined in step c) fulfills a pre-defined criterion. Such acriterion (or condition) can be, e.g., that the respective classsimilarity factor has to exceed a pre-defined threshold value.

In other words, similarity values are evaluated, and in dependencethereof, it is decided, whether or not and/or to which amount currentparameter settings will influence the second set of start-up parametersettings.

In one embodiment, the hearing system comprises at least one usercontrol by means of which a user of said hearing system can adjust thoseparameters for which said set of currently used parameter settings isobtained. Note that in this case, all parameters for which said set ofcurrently used parameter settings is obtained are adjustable by theuser; this, of course, does not exclude that, in addition, furtherparameter settings currently used in the signal processing unit existand are obtained, which are possibly not adjustable by the user.

In one embodiment, the hearing system comprises an analyzing unit forderiving data characterizing a current acoustic environment, whereinsaid deriving said second set of start-up parameter settings is carriedout also in dependence of said data.

In one embodiment, said analyzing unit is adapted to deriving a set of Nclass similarity factors, with N≧2, wherein each of said classsimilarity factors is indicative of the similarity of said currentacoustic environment with a predetermined acoustic environment describedby a respective class of N classes each of which describes apredetermined acoustic environment.

In one embodiment, each of said first and second sets of start-upparameter settings comprises for each of said N classes a subset ofstart-up parameter settings associated with the respective class.

In one embodiment, said control unit is adapted to providing that, independence of the class similarity factor associated with a respectiveclass, parameter settings comprised in a subset of said first start-upparameter settings associated with said respective class or parametersettings derived therefrom

-   -   are used or    -   are not used or    -   are used to a degree depending on the respective class        similarity factor        as default parameter settings for said signal processing unit.

In one embodiment, said control unit is adapted to providing that, insaid deriving said second set of start-up parameter settings, parametersettings are left unchanged in such subsets of start-up parametersettings of said second set of start-up parameter settings, which areassociated with a class for which the respective class similarity factordoes not fulfill a pre-defined criterion.

In one embodiment, the hearing system is a hearing device, in particulara hearing-aid device.

In one embodiment, the hearing system is a hearing-aid system, i.e. ahearing system comprising at least one hearing-aid device.

The invention comprises hearing systems and computer program products,which correspond to methods according to the invention.

The advantages of the hearing systems and computer program productscorrespond to the advantages of corresponding methods.

Further embodiments and advantages emerge from the dependent claims andthe figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Below, the invention is described in more detail by means of examplesand the included drawings. The figures show:

FIG. 1 a block-diagrammatical illustration of a hearing system with auser preference control;

FIG. 2 an illustration of a hearing system with a user preferencecontrol;

FIG. 3 a block diagram of a method for operating a hearing system.

The reference symbols used in the figures and their meaning aresummarized in the list of reference symbols. The described embodimentsare meant as examples and shall not confine the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 shows a block-diagrammatical illustration of a hearing system 1,which can be, as indicated, identical with a hearing device 11. Thehearing system 1 comprises an input unit 20 such as a microphone forconverting sound into audio signals, a signal processing unit 30 such asa digital signal processor for carrying out audio signal processing andan output unit 40 such as a loudspeaker for converting audio signalsinto signals to be perceived by a user of hearing system 1, typicallysound waves. These are components comprised in practically every hearingdevice.

The audio processing carried out in signal processing unit 30 can becontrolled by adjustable parameters 31, which allows to adjust thehearing system to the needs and preferences of said user. Accordingly,there are parameter settings stored in a storage unit 31, which arecurrently used in the audio processing in signal processing unit 30.

The hearing system 1 furthermore comprises a user interface 50, acontrol unit 60, an analyzing unit 70 and storage units 80 and 90. Userinterface 50 comprises user controls 51 and 52 which can be used by theuser to adjust the audio processing properties of the hearing system 1to his preferences. User control 51 can, e.g., be a digital volumecontrol or the like, wherein there may be several such controls; whereasuser control 52 is of particular importance for the invention. It can bea separate, dedicated user control, which will sometimes be referred toas user preference control below.

The function of the hearing system 1 of FIG. 1 will be described inconjunction with FIG. 3, in which a block diagram of a method foroperating a hearing system such as the one of FIG. 1 is shown.

Upon start-up of the signal processing unit 30, which in many cases willbe identical to the start-up of the hearing device 11 and/or to thestart-up of the hearing system 1 (step 100), start-up parameter settingsfrom storage unit 90 will be loaded into storage unit 31. This set of(start-up) parameter settings or parameter settings derived therefromwill be used as (initial) current parameter settings and moreparticularly as default parameter settings (step 110). This can, e.g.,be accomplished by control unit 60 or directly.

When an analysis of the current acoustic environment is enabled, thecurrent acoustic environment will be analyzed by analysis unit 70, basedon audio signals generated by input unit 20 or on audio signals derivedtherefrom. The analysis will result in data characterizing a currentacoustic environment (cf. storage unit 70). Said current acousticenvironment is usually the acoustic environment in which the hearingsystem is located.

A well-known way of doing such an analysis is referred to as“classification”, in which case analysis unit 70 is a classifier. Forbeing able to describe the invention more concretely, we shall assumethat analysis unit 70 is a classifier and that a classification iscarried out in step 120. In a classification, properties of theabove-mentioned audio signals are analyzed and compared to correspondingproperties of several (typically 3 to 8) classes of predeterminedacoustic environments such as for example “clean speech”, “speech innoise”, “music”. For each class, a class similarity factor can bederived, which is indicative of the similarity (likeness) between thecurrent acoustic environment and the acoustic environment described bythe respective class. For example, a class similarity factor can be thehigher the closer the current acoustic environment resembles theacoustic environment described by the respective class, and the classsimilarity factors can be normalized, e.g., such that the sum of allclass similarity factors is 1 (one). It is, of course, also possible towork with other data characterizing a current acoustic environment.

In storage unit 90, there is one subset of start-up parameter settingsper class. The parameter settings 31 to be currently used in a givenacoustic environment will be derived from these subsets in dependence ofthe corresponding class similarity factors (step 130). In a simpleimplementation, one could simply take that one subset, the correspondingclass similarity factor of which is the largest. In a more advancedimplementation, the parameters of different subsets can be mixed independence of the corresponding class similarity factors in order toderive parameter settings 31 to be used in the current acousticenvironment. Such implementations are known in the art.

Probably, sooner or later, the user will not be fully content with theway he perceives sound, i.e. he will find that the currently usedparameter settings are not optimal for him (in the current acousticenvironment he is in). In that case, the user will try to adjust hishearing system 1 to his preferences (step 140), by means of usercontrols such as user control 51. E.g., he will reduce the output volumeif the signals he perceives are too loud, or he will decrease the highfrequency components if he perceives the output signals as too sharp, orthe like. This is achieved such that operating user control 51 will leadto the transmission of a corresponding signal to control unit 60, whichthereupon will lead to a corresponding adjustment of at least oneparameter of signal processing unit 30, i.e. the current parametersettings stored in storage unit 31 are changed as requested by the user.This can be accomplished by, e.g., adding or adjusting an offset to thedefault parameter settings derived from storage unit 90.

Current parameter settings can be stored and dealt with as relativevalues or as absolute values (here, “absolute value” does not mean themathematical function which always renders a non-negative result). Asrelative values, the current parameter settings amount to the changesthe user requested via user control 51, which corresponds to thedifference between the absolute current parameter setting and thedefault parameter settings derived from the default parameter settings.

The user may or may not move into other acoustic environments and carryout further adjustments, both not explicitely shown in FIG. 3.

The idea about the user preference control 52 is, that the user canoperate this user control (step 150) when he is particularly contentwith the way he perceives sound, i.e. with the current parametersettings (in the current acoustic environment he is in). From theparameter settings currently used at that moment (cf. storage unit 31)and, if acoustic environment analysis is enabled, from the datacharacterizing that particular current acoustic environment (e.g., theclass similarity factors), valuable insight can be gained in how thestart-up parameter settings should be changed in order to better suitthe user's hearing preferences.

Accordingly, new and improved start-up parameter settings can be derived(step 160) in dependence of

-   -   the current parameter settings (which is equivalent to the        user's adjustments of these),    -   the class similarity factors,    -   the (original) start-up parameter settings.

This three-fold dependency is indicated be the upper three arrows in theleft portion of FIG. 3.

The so-obtained new start-up parameter settings are not immediately usedin signal processing unit 30 (and storage unit 31). Before that, thehearing system 1 (or at least signal processing unit 30) is shut down(step 170) and is started up again (step 180). Only upon a new start-up(typically the next start-up), the former start-up parameter settingsare replaced (step 190) by the new start-up parameter settings derivedin step 160; confer also the lower arrow in the left portion of FIG. 3,which shall illustrate that in step 190, i.e. after a start-up, the newstart-up parameter settings as derived in step 160 are actually used forcontrolling signal processing.

Thereafter, further adjustments, user preference control operatings anddeterminations of again new start-up parameter settings may take placeagain (not explicitely shown in FIG. 3).

Note that operating the user preference control 52 causes no change tothe currently used parameter settings in storage unit 31.

With respect to the point in time at which step 160 will be carried out,there are various possibilities. It is possible, as suggested by FIG. 3,to determine the new set of start-up parameter settings (step 160) (moreor less immediately) upon the user's operation of the user preferencecontrol 52 (step 150). It is also possible to store—besides the formerstart-up parameter settings which are in storage unit 90—for eachoperating of the user preference control 52 until the next shutdown thedata characterizing the current acoustic environment, such as the classsimilarity factors, and the currently used parameter settings (asadjusted by the user), both at the time of the operating of the userpreference control. This allows to carry out step 160 at a later pointin time. And it also allows to do additional processing on the storeddata before or when carrying out step 160. Such a later point in timecan be just before a shutdown: E.g., when the user switches off hishearing device 11 or hearing system 1, step 160 will be carried out justbefore the actual shut-down takes place. Another possibility would be tocarry out step 160 upon start-up, i.e. between steps 100 and 110. Ofcourse, other points in time are possible, too.

There are many ways to obtain the new start-up parameter settings, i.e.to carry out step 160. It is possible to incorporate a learning aspectand ensure a rather stable development of the start-up parametersettings by letting the start-up parameter settings develop towardsparameter settings in accordance with currently used parameter settings(as adjusted by the hearing system user) in a gradual manner. E.g., whena certain parameter has a start-up value of P and has a current value ofV at step 150, the new start-up value P′ of that parameter could be, ina simple example, derived asP′=(1−α)·P+α·Vwith 0<α<1, wherein α determines how strongly new start-up settings willdeviate from the old start-up settings: an α near zero will result inonly little deviation, whereas an α close to one will provide a “fast”development towards current parameter settings used while operating theuser preference control 52. The latter will usually not be desired,because erratic or chaotic developments might occur, whereas values suchas 0.1≦α≦0.6 would generally be preferred. Of course, more elaborateschemes and functions are thinkable.

With respect to the data characterizing the current acoustic environmentsuch as the similarity values described above, there are also variouspossibilities to consider these in deriving new start-up parametersettings (step 160). For example—adhering to the classification exampleabove—one could change settings solely in that one subset of start-upparameter settings, which is associated with that one class, which hasthe highest similarity value. Or, one could change settings generally ineach of the subsets of start-up parameter settings, but to an extentwhich depends on the respective similarity value, be it linearly,squared or in another way. For example, one could change settings solelyin such subsets of start-up parameter settings, which are associatedwith a class similarity factor that is larger than a prescribablethreshold value.

As has been indicated above, the analysis/classification of the currentacoustic environment (step 120) is in principle optional, but it ispreferred, since it is very advantageous because will usually result ingenerally improved hearing experience for the user when in varyingacoustic environments.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a hearing system 1 comprising two hearingdevices 11,12 and a remote control 13, which are operationallyinterconnected via wireless communication links. The remote controlcomprises several user controls by means of which audio processingparameters can be adjusted (some of them are labelled 51), and a userpreference control 52 for the purpose stated above. This hearing system1 can be designed and can function just like the hearing system depictedin FIG. 1. It is possible to provide a user preference control 52 at onehearing device 11,12 or at both hearing devices 11,12 instead of oradditionally to the user preference control 52 at the remote control 13.

Aspects of the embodiments have been described in terms of functionalunits. As is readily understood, these functional units may be realizedin virtually any number of hardware and/or software components adaptedto performing the specified functions. For example, control unit 60and/or analyzing unit 70 may be comprised in a signal processorembodying signal processing unit 30, and storage unit 31 may becomprised in or separate from signal processing unit 30. Referring toFIG. 2: Whether each of the hearing devices 11,12 comprises one issue ofeach of the constituents of the hearing system 1 depicted in FIG. 1(maybe with the exception of the user controls 51, 52), or whether suchconstituents of the hearing devices 11 and 12 are interpreted as forminga portion (a sub-unit) each of such a constituent, is not of particularimportance for the invention as described above.

The invention allows a user of a hearing system 1 to adjust the audiosignal processing properties of his hearing system 1 to his preferences.It is in particular possible for the user to achieve that his hearingsystem is particularly well adapted to those acoustic environments towhich the user is exposed in reality. This applies in particular for thecases in which acoustic environment analysis is carried out. One has tokeep in mind that it is hardly possible to properly simulate in theoffice of a hearing device professional those acoustic environments towhich the user is exposed in reality.

Typically, a hearing system is provided by the hearing systemmanufacturer with a first set of start-up parameter settings. Typically,these start-up parameter settings are then, at the time of fitting atthe hearing device professional's office, adjusted by the hearing deviceprofessional such as an audiologist to the preferences of the (new) userof the hearing system. By means of the invention, it is possible for thehearing system user himself to adapt the start-up parameter settings ofhis hearing system and therewith the way audio signals are processed inhis hearing system to his preferences, be it starting from themanufacturer-implemented or with the hearing deviceprofessional-adjusted first set of start-up parameter settings. This canlead to a decreased need to visit a hearing device professional and toan improved fitting result. And it is possible that a good fittingresult is achieved within a relatively short time.

LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

-   1 hearing system-   11 device, hearing device-   12 device, hearing device-   13 device, remote control-   20 input unit, input transducer unit, acoustic-to-electric    conversion unit, microphone arrangement-   30 signal processing unit, signal processor, digital signal    processor-   31 storage unit, memory containing current parameter settings-   40 output unit, electric-to-mechanical conversion unit, loudspeaker-   50 user interface-   51 user control-   52 user control, user preference control-   60 control unit-   70 analyzing unit, classifying unit-   80 storage unit, memory containing data characterizing a current    acoustic environment, set of similarity values-   90 storage unit, memory containing start-up parameter settings-   100-190 steps

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for operating a hearing aid devicecomprising a signal processing unit controllable by adjustableparameters, a user control for adjusting the parameter settings of thesignal processing unit to preferences of a user of the hearing aiddevice, and a user control referred to below as a user preferencecontrol for allowing the user to indicate to the hearing aid device thatthe user is content with parameter settings currently used, said methodcomprising the steps of a) providing a first set of start-up parametersettings upon start-up of said signal processor unit; b) using parametersettings comprised in or derived from said first set of start-upparameter settings as default parameter settings for said signalprocessing unit; c) using input received from the user via the usercontrol to make adjustments to the default parameter settings; and uponoperating said user preference control: d) obtaining a set of parametersettings currently used in said signal processing unit, said set ofparameter settings currently used correspond to the default parametersettings changed by adjustments, carried out by the user via operationof the user control, to a plurality of individual parameters while theuser perceives sound in a current acoustic environment in which the useris located; e) deriving a second set of start-up parameter settings independence of said first set of start-up parameter settings and of saidset of currently used parameter settings obtained in step d); and f)using said second set of start-up parameter settings as said first setof start-up parameter settings when carrying out step a) upon afollowing start-up of said signal processor unit, wherein at least oneof said second set of start-up parameter settings is not used as saidfirst set of start-up parameter settings before another start-up of saidsignal processor unit occurred; and in step b), said parameter settingscomprised in or derived from said first set of start-up parametersettings are used as default parameter settings for said signalprocessing unit until the next shut-down of said signal processor unit.2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the parameters for whichsaid set of parameter settings mentioned in step d) are obtained areadjustable by a user of said hearing aid device.
 3. The method accordingto claim 1, wherein step e) is carried out in such a way that a gradualevolvement of said second set of start-up parameter settings from saidfirst set of start-up parameter settings towards parameter settings inaccordance with said currently used parameter settings occurs.
 4. Themethod according to claim 1, comprising the step of c) deriving datacharacterizing a current acoustic environment; wherein said derivingsaid second set of start-up parameter settings mentioned in step e) iscarried out also in dependence of said data derived in step c).
 5. Themethod according to claim 4, wherein step c) comprises deriving a set ofN class similarity factors, with N≧2, wherein each of said classsimilarity factors is indicative of the similarity of said currentacoustic environment with a predetermined acoustic environment describedby a respective class of N classes each of which describes apredetermined acoustic environment.
 6. The method according to claim 5,wherein each of said first and second sets of start-up parametersettings comprises for each of said N classes a subset of start-upparameter settings associated with the respective class.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 6, wherein, in dependence of the class similarityfactor associated with a respective class, parameter settings comprisedin a subset of said first start-up parameter settings associated withsaid respective class or parameter settings derived therefrom are usedor are not used or are used to a degree depending on the respectiveclass similarity factor as default parameter settings for said signalprocessing unit.
 8. The method according to claim 6, wherein in step e),parameter settings are left unchanged in such subsets of start-upparameter settings of said second set of start-up parameter settings,which are associated with a class for which the respective classsimilarity factor as determined in step c) does not fulfill apre-defined criterion.
 9. A hearing aid device, comprising: a signalprocessing unit controllable by adjustable parameters; at least one usercontrol for adjusting parameter settings of the signal processing unitto preferences of a user of the hearing system; a user preferencecontrol for allowing the user to indicate to the hearing system that theuser is content with parameter settings currently used a storage unitoperationally connected to said signal processing unit, comprising afirst set of start-up parameter settings; and a control unitoperationally connected to said user preference control, to said signalprocessing unit, to said at least one user control, and to said storageunit; wherein said control unit is adapted to: upon start-up of saidsignal processing unit: implement in said signal processing unit saidfirst set of start-up parameter settings, so that parameter settingscomprised in or derived from said first set of start-up parametersettings are used as default parameter settings for signal processing insaid signal processing unit; upon operation of said at least one usercontrol by the user: make adjustments to the default parameter settings;and upon operations of said user preference control by the user: obtaina set of parameter settings currently used in said signal processingunit, said set of parameter settings currently used correspond to thedefault parameter settings changed by adjustments, carried out by theuser via the at least one user control, to a plurality of individualparameters while the user perceives sound in a current acousticenvironment in which the user is located; derive a second set ofstart-up parameter settings in dependence of said first set of start-upparameter settings and of said obtained set of currently used parametersettings; and replace in said storage unit said first set of start-upparameter settings by said second set of start-up parameter settings,such that at least one of said second set of start-up parameter settingsis not used as said first set of start-up parameter settings beforeanother start-up of said signal processor unit occurred; and in step b),said parameter settings comprised in or derived from said first set ofstart-up parameter settings are used as default parameter settings forsaid signal processing unit until the next shut-down of said signalprocessor unit.
 10. The hearing aid device according to claim 9,comprising an analyzing unit for deriving data characterizing a currentacoustic environment, wherein said deriving said second set of start-upparameter settings is carried out also in dependence of said data. 11.The hearing aid device according to claim 10, wherein said analyzingunit is adapted to deriving a set of N class similarity factors, withN≧2, wherein each of said class similarity factors is indicative of thesimilarity of said current acoustic environment with a predeterminedacoustic environment described by a respective class of N classes eachof which describes a predetermined acoustic environment.
 12. The hearingaid device according to claim 11, wherein each of said first and secondsets of start-up parameter settings comprises for each of said N classesa subset of start-up parameter settings associated with the respectiveclass.
 13. The hearing aid device according to claim 12, wherein saidcontrol unit is adapted to providing that, in dependence of the classsimilarity factor associated with a respective class, parameter settingscomprised in a subset of said first start-up parameter settingsassociated with said respective class or parameter settings derivedtherefrom are used or are not used or are used to a degree depending onthe respective class similarity factor as default parameter settings forsaid signal processing unit.
 14. The hearing aid device according toclaim 12, wherein said control unit is adapted to providing that, insaid deriving said second set of start-up parameter settings, parametersettings are left unchanged in such subsets of start-up parametersettings of said second set of start-up parameter settings, which areassociated with a class for which the respective class similarity factordoes not fulfill a pre-defined criterion.
 15. A non-transitorycomputer-readable storage medium having stored thereon a computerprogram product comprising program code for causing a computer toperform the steps of: A) providing a first set of start-up parametersettings upon start-up of a signal processor unit of a hearing aiddevice; B) using parameter settings comprised in or derived from saidfirst set of start-up parameter settings as default parameter settingsfor said signal processing unit; C) receiving input from a user controlof said hearing aid device and making adjustments to the defaultparameters settings in accordance with said input; G) receiving a userinput from a user preference control of said hearing aid device; uponstep G): D) obtaining a set of parameter settings currently used in saidsignal processing unit, said set of parameter settings currently usedcorrespond to the default parameter settings changed by adjustments,carried out by the user via operation of the user control, to aplurality of individual parameters while the user perceives sound in acurrent acoustic environment in which the user is located; E) deriving asecond set of start-up parameter settings in dependence of said firstset of start-up parameter settings and of said set of currently usedparameter settings obtained in step D); F) using said second set ofstart-up parameter settings as said first set of start-up parametersettings when carrying out step A) upon a following start-up of saidsignal processor unit, such that at least one of said second set ofstart-up parameter settings is not used as said first set of start-upparameter settings before another start-up of said signal processor unitoccurred; and in step b), said parameter settings comprised in orderived from said first set of start-up parameter settings are used asdefault parameter settings for said signal processing unit until thenext shut-down of said signal processor unit.